The social sciences as future forming

Abstract

The conception and practices of the social sciences are largely the product of a century past. We must now ask the question of whether these traditions adequately equip the sciences for dealing with the daunting global problems of today. Placed in particular question is the traditional focus of research on contemporaneous patterns, events, and conditions. In a world of rapid, globally rippling, and unpredictable change, the significance of such research is debatable. Given the perilous conditions of the world, a shift in the practices of social science is proposed, one that places in the vanguard of our pursuit, the active building of viable futures. Such a shift would favor practices of action research, generative theorizing, creating new forms of cultural life, and process-based education.